BARNSLEY Foodbank has taken delivery of a nearly-new van donated by Mercedes-Benz Vans at Tankersley.
The manufacturer has provided the Sprinter for use by the charity - part of the Trussell Trust’s network of local groups, which support families and individuals through 428 outlets nationwide.
Less than a year-old, the van was one of the manufacturer’s demonstration vehicles, and is the first van to be operated directly by Barnsley Foodbank. Previously the charity used vans provided by Fareshare Yorkshire, a charity which receives large donations of surplus food from supermarkets and producers, and redistributes them to community groups across the county.
Foodbank co-ordinator Connor Hayes said: “With its huge cargo area and comfortable, driver-friendly cab, the Sprinter will be a great asset for our volunteer drivers who collect donations from supermarkets, schools, churches, partners and local businesses. It will certainly enable us to help more people in need.
“The vehicle is virtually brand new and looks really smart, so we hope it will also help to raise the Foodbank’s profile locally. We’re extremely grateful to Mercedes-Benz for their support.”
Steve Bridge, Mercedes-Benz Vans managing director, said: “We are delighted that the team at our Wentworth Park complex can be good neighbours to Barnsley Foodbank. I’m sure this safe, reliable and stylish Sprinter will quickly prove its worth to the charity’s hard-working volunteers.”
Staff at Mercedes-Benz Vans UK voted to support the Barnsley charity and a similar foodbank near their head office in Milton Keynes, as part of the manufacturer’s ‘Give Back Programme’.
